In the midst of a worldwide health crisis, COVID-19 has the aviation businesses identifying cost effective and convenient options for housing their corporate or general aviation aircraft.
One option for aircraft owners considering a relocation just landed on the market at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE).
On Monday, July 27th, the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) joined state, and local officials for a ribbon cutting at ABE to officially celebrate the completion of Hangar 11 – a 54,000 square foot facility equipped to accommodate the latest generation of corporate aircraft – up to the G-650 (100,000 lbs)
“Opening these hangar doors starts the next exciting chapter for general aviation at ABE. We are appreciative of the continual support from our regional delegation in Harrisburg. If you search the Northeast corridor, hangar space is extremely limited. We are confident that Hangar 11 delivers a competitive advantage in attracting new tenants which strengthens economic growth within the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, LehighNorthampton Airport Authority.
The Airport Authority received a $8.8 million grant from the PennDOT Bureau of Aviation to boost the financial feasibility in developing this $16.3 million project.
“During very challenging times in aviation across the country and especially in Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the unveiling of Hangar 11 is an encouraging story that still shows the continued strong economic growth at the Lehigh Valley International Airport. The Bureau of Aviation’s Transportation Assistance Program has provided over $8.8 million for the site development, design, and construction of the hangar, apron, and adjacent parking lot,” said Anthony J. McCloskey, P.E., Director, PennDOT Bureau of Aviation.
Currently, ABE has 137 based aircraft and operations occur on (2) runways – Runway 6/24 – 7,599 ft.x150 ft. and Runway 13/31 5,800 ft.x150 ft. This is the first hangar constructed at ABE since 2006.
Construction of Hangar 11 included the services of Grace Industries, Inc. / Bath, PA (general contractor); Boro Construction / King of Prussia, PA (Electrical); Guy M. Cooper, Inc. / Willow Grove, PA (Plumbing); and Shannon A. Smith, Inc. / Myerstown, PA (HVAC).